Super-Crafty Costume Contest Hall of Fame

October 25, 2016 7:30 PM

Which crafty costumes are the craftiest of all time? Click through to see some of the past winners of Peter Hartlaub's Super-Crafty Costume Contest on SFGATE.

Which crafty costumes are the craftiest of all time? Click through to see some of the past winners of Peter Hartlaub's Super-Crafty Costume Contest on SFGATE.

Which crafty costumes are the craftiest of all time? Click through... Photo-11671928.71818 - GreenwichTime

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HUNTER S. THOMPSON (2015): This is one of those entries that I wish I had thought of myself when my kids were babies. Stacey Andres writes: "Seven-month-old Wes as Hunter S. Thompson -- more accurately, Raoul Duke in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.'" less

HUNTER S. THOMPSON (2015): This is one of those entries that I wish I had thought of myself when my kids were babies. Stacey Andres writes: "Seven-month-old Wes as Hunter S. Thompson -- more accurately, Raoul ... more

HUNTER S. THOMPSON (2015): This is one of those entries that I wish... Photo-11624624.71818 - GreenwichTime

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RUTH BADER GINSBURG (2015): Mother Andrea wrote in: “My 2.5 year old daughter, who has a rare chromosomal condition called Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, channeling RBG beautifully …” Topical, sweet and well-executed. I hope Ruth Bader Ginsburg sees this, and appreciates the good company she’s in. less

FRIDA KAHLO (2015): What amazed me the most about this entry was not how much the baby looks like Frida Kahlo. It’s that when you look into her eyes, the child is clearly convinced she is Frida Kahlo.
Dressing up a baby is really it’s own category. You need a costume that’s comfortable, is easy to tote, preferably props the baby up somehow and evokes a historical figure while utilizing the infant’s natural old soul look. Mother Eva scores on every front. Superb costuming here. less

FRIDA KAHLO (2015): What amazed me the most about this entry was not how much the baby looks like Frida Kahlo. It’s that when you look into her eyes, the child is clearly convinced she is Frida Kahlo. ... more

FRIDA KAHLO (2015): What amazed me the most about this entry was... Photo-11624686.71818 - GreenwichTime

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CRAZY CAT LADY (2015): Mother Erica Weaver told us that her daughter “loves cats, and loves to put these velcro rollers in her hair all the time so I decided what better costume for her than the crazy cat lady!” We admire the relatively simple costuming, and Erica’s daughter gets bonus points for completely selling this costume. I mean, look at the photo. It looks like she’s heading to the refrigerator to refill her Riunite on Ice. Next year we expect her in the winner’s circle again as Mrs. Furley from “Three’s Company.” less

CRAZY CAT LADY (2015): Mother Erica Weaver told us that her daughter “loves cats, and loves to put these velcro rollers in her hair all the time so I decided what better costume for her than the crazy cat ... more

MAD MAX FURY ROAD CREW (2015): Our winners of the 2015 contest. Christy Canida said the family costuming started when an older sister decided to dress as Furiosa from "Mad Max Fury Road." Then Procyon, age 3, joined the theme. The costumes are amazing, the kids look like they’re having a blast and “Mad Max: Fury Road” is in my opinion a cinematic classic. “You will arrive at the gates of the Super-Crafty Costume Contest, shiny and chrome!” less

MAD MAX FURY ROAD CREW (2015): Our winners of the 2015 contest. Christy Canida said the family costuming started when an older sister decided to dress as Furiosa from "Mad Max Fury Road." Then Procyon, age 3, ... more

MIRROR MAN (2015): This epic accomplishment in costuming from The Poop readers (and my former neighbors) Will and Michelle W.: "We made this for Halloween last year for our boy after he saw "Mirror Man" appear at an Arcade Fire concert - minds were blown. My husband and I were naively convinced we’d throw it together with ease (we HAD after all accomplished a fully operational/accurate battery powered LED-lit Tron costume the year before so this would be a breeze - pfft!). We embarked on a slightly insane 2-month, 75 hr +/- journey....one honed piece of mirror at a time and countless hot glue burns. Despite its THIRTY pounds, kiddo was crazy about the beams of light cast in every direction and the unexpected side effect of sounding like wind chimes when he walks. He is 10 now and still loves it, so he's reprising Mirror Man for Halloween 2015. Bless his heart for not outgrowing it ..." less

MIRROR MAN (2015): This epic accomplishment in costuming from The Poop readers (and my former neighbors) Will and Michelle W.: "We made this for Halloween last year for our boy after he saw "Mirror Man" appear ... more

BRUCE LEE (2009): Mom wanted it to be known that 1-year-old Ena Rudi was Bruce Lee, NOT Uma Thurman's bride character from "Kill Bill." Either way, the knit nunchuks rule.

BRUCE LEE (2009): Mom wanted it to be known that 1-year-old Ena Rudi was Bruce Lee, NOT Uma Thurman's bride character from "Kill Bill." Either way, the knit nunchuks rule.

BRUCE LEE (2009): Mom wanted it to be known that 1-year-old Ena... Photo-5301942.71818 - GreenwichTime

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SUSHI (2014): You know that moment when you first watched “The Godfather, Part II,” and it was so good that it pretty much ruined every mafia-related movie and TV show that followed? This is like that, but with a baby sushi costume. We receive three or four small-child-in-sushi photos every year, but this one is memorable for the details. Note the perfect ratio of salmon-to-cucumber. Note the ginger/wasabi headband. Note how the costume actually helps the baby to sit up. Thanks to Amy Jeschke for the sending in the photo. less

SUSHI (2014): You know that moment when you first watched “The Godfather, Part II,” and it was so good that it pretty much ruined every mafia-related movie and TV show that followed? This is like that, but ... more

SUSHI (2014): You know that moment when you first watched “The... Photo-8815626.71818 - GreenwichTime

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MORK (2014): We received multiple Robin Williams entries in 2014. This was the most on point. Mom Leslie Chew wrote: “Hopefully those who saw my mini-Mork trotting around were inspired to remember a young brilliant Robin Willams that still makes me laugh.” RIP Robin Williams. less

MORK (2014): We received multiple Robin Williams entries in 2014. This was the most on point. Mom Leslie Chew wrote: “Hopefully those who saw my mini-Mork trotting around were inspired to remember a young ... more

ROBOCOP (2014): We had an especially large number of costumes based on 1980s movies in 2014, but 5-year-old Livi takes the prize in a competitive field because, 1) She chose the costume herself, after seeing some of mom and dad’s movie memorabilia; and 2) We like the feminist message of a 5-year-old female Robocop. Thanks to mom Katrina Schoonover for the entry. less

ROBOCOP (2014): We had an especially large number of costumes based on 1980s movies in 2014, but 5-year-old Livi takes the prize in a competitive field because, 1) She chose the costume herself, after seeing ... more

ROBOCOP (2014): We had an especially large number of costumes based... Photo-8814459.71818 - GreenwichTime

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MAHNA MAHNA (2012): Annie Stanner Cooper came through for her son Emmett, including two "Snowths" puppets. Annie told us in 2012: ''Emmett would wear this costume every day if I let him, but unless he’s holding The Snowths, he just looks like he should be dancing around at Burning Man.'' less

MAHNA MAHNA (2012): Annie Stanner Cooper came through for her son Emmett, including two "Snowths" puppets. Annie told us in 2012: ''Emmett would wear this costume every day if I let him, but unless he’s ... more

SAN FRANCISCO (2014): This photo is absolutely stunning. It’s what I imagine a Beach Blanket Babylon movie would look like if it were directed by Wes Anderson. The clouds … the cute car-themed belts … the fabulous hats. No surprise that Kate Fim, who sent this photo, is an artist.
The kids look like they’re having a blast (note how bridge girl on the left can’t help smiling a little). less

SAN FRANCISCO (2014): This photo is absolutely stunning. It’s what I imagine a Beach Blanket Babylon movie would look like if it were directed by Wes Anderson. The clouds … the cute car-themed belts … the ... more

JIMI HENDRIX (2009): When I saw this photo for the first time, I gave a standing ovation at my desk. And then I put "The Wind Cries Mary" on my iPod.

JIMI HENDRIX (2009): When I saw this photo for the first time, I gave a standing ovation at my desk. And then I put "The Wind Cries Mary" on my iPod.

JIMI HENDRIX (2009): When I saw this photo for the first time, I... Photo-5301936.71818 - GreenwichTime

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PAC-MAN FAMILY (2014): I love the Figueroa family’s attention to detail and use of the whole family, including a baby stroller arcade game with a slot for candy. We see a lot of well-executed family costumes, and this is one of the more memorable efforts. Looking forward to what they come up with next. A Robotron theme? less

PAC-MAN FAMILY (2014): I love the Figueroa family’s attention to detail and use of the whole family, including a baby stroller arcade game with a slot for candy. We see a lot of well-executed family costumes, ... more

SPAGHETTI BABY (2014): While the photo is beautiful, I suspect this costume was even more entertaining live, where the kid can actually start throwing the meatballs around. Thanks to K. Chang for sending the photo. less

SPAGHETTI BABY (2014): While the photo is beautiful, I suspect this costume was even more entertaining live, where the kid can actually start throwing the meatballs around. Thanks to K. Chang for sending the ... more

TACO (2014): Like previous overall winners, there’s incredible execution in this costume submitted by Mike Rizzi and Terri Manning, and also a strong Bay Area-ness. The costume also has strong ties to the child’s interest; 9-year-old Rocco is a taco fiend. The costume is a technical marvel — red onions FTW — looking even more grand in front of the El Tonayense taco truck. (Excellent taste!) less

TACO (2014): Like previous overall winners, there’s incredible execution in this costume submitted by Mike Rizzi and Terri Manning, and also a strong Bay Area-ness. The costume also has strong ties to the ... more

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL-STAR (2007): I received this photo early in our first contest, when I wasn't sure if we would get a single crafty costume entry. I thought to myself "Are they all going to be this good?" less

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL-STAR (2007): I received this photo early in our first contest, when I wasn't sure if we would get a single crafty costume entry. I thought to myself "Are they all going to be this ... more

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE (2013): This is both a grand prize and a lifetime achievement award. Raphael Sperry is one of several “regulars” in this contest, whose work I look forward to year after year. Every Halloween he architects a different costume with a San Francisco theme, including an earlier costume where his sons were the Coit Tower and TransAmerica Pyramid. This twin Golden Gate Bridge costume, with genius fog headwear, is his masterpiece. Excellent work Raphael and Sperry boys! less

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE (2013): This is both a grand prize and a lifetime achievement award. Raphael Sperry is one of several “regulars” in this contest, whose work I look forward to year after year. Every ... more

Photo: Courtesy Raphael Sperry

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE (2013): This is both a grand prize and a... Photo-8814465.71818 - GreenwichTime

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MATADOR and BULL (2013): The baby and small toddler costumes are really about the parents, and I’m OK with that. Raising a baby or 1-year-old is a tough job — we should all be allowed to dress them up like Liberace once per year. Even though the kid isn’t going to remember this adorable bullfighter costume, the execution is magnificent. You can tell this little matador and bull-dog are going to have some fun years together. And some day the guy on the left is going to grow up and make this the profile picture for whatever the 2050 equivalent is of a Facebook page. less

MATADOR and BULL (2013): The baby and small toddler costumes are really about the parents, and I’m OK with that. Raising a baby or 1-year-old is a tough job — we should all be allowed to dress them up like ... more

ANGLER FISH (2013): Amanda reports that she spent three weeks to build this paper mache angler fish head (“using the San Francisco Chronicle of course — so meta!”) with a working light. I’m imagining homeowners getting hypnotized by the light, just blindly throwing handfuls of candy into the giant mouth. Bonus: A few small modifications, and this could double in 2014 as a “Land of the Lost” sleestack costume. less

ANGLER FISH (2013): Amanda reports that she spent three weeks to build this paper mache angler fish head (“using the San Francisco Chronicle of course — so meta!”) with a working light. I’m imagining ... more

THE LIFE OF PI (2013): Martin LaFosse says his son enjoyed the movie “The Life of Pi,” which led to this outstanding costume. I was so taken by the detail work, I actually counted the little check marks and thought ”33 days at sea! Surprised the kid is still able to stand up and hold that boat.” It’s a beautiful, fun costume. Best of all: You can tell this kid is thrilled that his parents helped make the movie come to life. (But let’s all agree never to tell Antoine who the orangutan is, and what really happened to her.) less

THE LIFE OF PI (2013): Martin LaFosse says his son enjoyed the movie “The Life of Pi,” which led to this outstanding costume. I was so taken by the detail work, I actually counted the little check marks and ... more

Photo: Courtesy Martin LaFosse

THE LIFE OF PI (2013): Martin LaFosse says his son enjoyed the... Photo-8814468.71818 - GreenwichTime

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PIGLET w/ DAD (2013): Parents Shannon and Warwick bought a sewing machine for these Piglet and Winnie the Pooh costumes, and Shannon reports that her “middle-aged beer-drinkin’ sports-lovin’ husband figured out how to work the thing and sewed the costumes himself.” Just as I started to tear up reading that, I realized she sent a photo of Warwick, and I started laughing and tearing up at the same time. Parents of the year. Some day this is going to come up in a wedding toast … less

PIGLET w/ DAD (2013): Parents Shannon and Warwick bought a sewing machine for these Piglet and Winnie the Pooh costumes, and Shannon reports that her “middle-aged beer-drinkin’ sports-lovin’ husband ... more

PICANTE BURRITO (2013): This is such a Bay Area move: A child decides to be a special ordered burrito from her favorite taqueria, and her DIY parents execute it perfectly. As a Picante fan, I love the added detail of the Berkeley institution’s recognizable to-go stickers. less

PICANTE BURRITO (2013): This is such a Bay Area move: A child decides to be a special ordered burrito from her favorite taqueria, and her DIY parents execute it perfectly. As a Picante fan, I love the added ... more

PICANTE BURRITO (2013): This is such a Bay Area move: A child... Photo-8814470.71818 - GreenwichTime

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MUNI DRIVER (2012): Three-year-old Ben ended up being a subject of Mike Kepka's City Exposed series in the Chronicle, and got a tour that included a meeting with the head of Muni! His costume with a made-by-hand Muni worm logo included real bus transfers that he handed out to kids at school. less

MUNI DRIVER (2012): Three-year-old Ben ended up being a subject of Mike Kepka's City Exposed series in the Chronicle, and got a tour that included a meeting with the head of Muni! His costume with a ... more

SAY ANYTHING BOOM BOX (2012): Our group costume winner from last year -- the ''Mahna Mahna" song has been replaced by "In Your Eyes." Nikki S. had a great response when asked why she dressed her then-1-year-old son Teddy as a boom box. (''Because why not?'') He'll appreciate it when he's older. less

SAY ANYTHING BOOM BOX (2012): Our group costume winner from last year -- the ''Mahna Mahna" song has been replaced by "In Your Eyes." Nikki S. had a great response when asked why she dressed her then-1-year-old ... more

SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR (2012): Longtime reader Rhean submitted this topical costume, which included her 4-year-old daughter as the jet that gave the Space Shuttle Endeavor (her 1-year-old brother) victory tour ride across the state. There are great details here, but the girl's smile is the best. less

SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR (2012): Longtime reader Rhean submitted this topical costume, which included her 4-year-old daughter as the jet that gave the Space Shuttle Endeavor (her 1-year-old brother) victory ... more

BADGERS (2012): Esme Shaller created homemade costumes based on Frances and Gloria, the badgers from Russell and Lillian Hoban’s 1960s books (''Bread and Jam for Frances," etc.) The level of detail was excellent, and the kids are clearly thrilled. less

BADGERS (2012): Esme Shaller created homemade costumes based on Frances and Gloria, the badgers from Russell and Lillian Hoban’s 1960s books (''Bread and Jam for Frances," etc.) The level of detail was ... more

MAGNUM P.I. (2012): We always try to honor a costume with a last-minute feel, and Chris Rooney and his son nailed it with this Magnum P.I costume. The fake mustache is excellent, as is the Detroit Tigers cap. (In Giants colors!) But the kid's enthusiastic expression really sells this thing. less

MAGNUM P.I. (2012): We always try to honor a costume with a last-minute feel, and Chris Rooney and his son nailed it with this Magnum P.I costume. The fake mustache is excellent, as is the Detroit Tigers cap. ... more

IRON MAN (2012): Jenn Purdy’s 11-year-old son Tynan spent three months making this Iron Man costume, mostly out of cardboard and duct tape. Which is exactly the type of thing a young Tony Stark would have done. There are other Iron Man costumes out there, but this kid followed his own vision. less

IRON MAN (2012): Jenn Purdy’s 11-year-old son Tynan spent three months making this Iron Man costume, mostly out of cardboard and duct tape. Which is exactly the type of thing a young Tony Stark would have ... more

ANGLER FISH (2007): Our earliest Super-Crafty Costume Contest grand prize winner. The light reportedly worked at the end of this predator fish's costume. The penguin is totally unaware of his fate. Pirate and lion aren't getting involved. less

ANGLER FISH (2007): Our earliest Super-Crafty Costume Contest grand prize winner. The light reportedly worked at the end of this predator fish's costume. The penguin is totally unaware of his fate. Pirate and ... more

ROBOTS (2010): Short of having a "Mythbuster" for a father, it's hard to imagine a more awesome costume-maker for a dad than Otto Williams. Bonus points because the siblings are holding hands.

ROBOTS (2010): Short of having a "Mythbuster" for a father, it's hard to imagine a more awesome costume-maker for a dad than Otto Williams. Bonus points because the siblings are holding hands.

ROBOTS (2010): Short of having a "Mythbuster" for a... Photo-5301946.71818 - GreenwichTime

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FLAVOR FLAV (2008): Ava, AKA Ava Flav reminds us that 911 is a joke. The valkyrie hat was knit as a shower gift. From mother Lynn Jones: "They were fun costumes even if we did have to explain them to just about everyone." less

FLAVOR FLAV (2008): Ava, AKA Ava Flav reminds us that 911 is a joke. The valkyrie hat was knit as a shower gift. From mother Lynn Jones: "They were fun costumes even if we did have to explain them to just about ... more

MACARONI AND CHEESE (2011): Ian, Monique, and baby Mina managed to adapt dad's hobby of collecting Mac and Cheese boxes into a group theme costume. Definitely the tastiest-looking family in contest history.

MACARONI AND CHEESE (2011): Ian, Monique, and baby Mina managed to adapt dad's hobby of collecting Mac and Cheese boxes into a group theme costume. Definitely the tastiest-looking family in contest history.

CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN (2011): Once again proving that you can win our contest with a simple costume, as long as your kid can sell it. And at the moment this photo was taken, Griffin believed he was a Crocs-wearing Superman. less

CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN (2011): Once again proving that you can win our contest with a simple costume, as long as your kid can sell it. And at the moment this photo was taken, Griffin believed he was a ... more

CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN (2011): Once again proving that you can win our... Photo-5301941.71818 - GreenwichTime

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LINUS (2008): Oliver (4 months old) is a perpetual finalist in this contest. I love the simplicity of this costume. From mother Hilary: "The most expensive item was the Sharpie I bought to draw the stripes on the t-shirt and make the sign." less

LINUS (2008): Oliver (4 months old) is a perpetual finalist in this contest. I love the simplicity of this costume. From mother Hilary: "The most expensive item was the Sharpie I bought to draw the stripes on ... more

SF LANDMARKS (2011): We always support the use of regional landmarks in costumes. Twin brothers Solomon and Milo Sperry went old school with this. Will kids in 2050 dress as Rincon Tower?

SF LANDMARKS (2011): We always support the use of regional landmarks in costumes. Twin brothers Solomon and Milo Sperry went old school with this. Will kids in 2050 dress as Rincon Tower?

SF LANDMARKS (2011): We always support the use of regional... Photo-5301944.71818 - GreenwichTime

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OSCAR THE GROUCH (2011): After years of asking people to get a Chronicle into the frame to prove costume timeliness, this is our first paper in a trash can. Great costume, Oscar! Maybe you should check out our iPad app? less

OSCAR THE GROUCH (2011): After years of asking people to get a Chronicle into the frame to prove costume timeliness, this is our first paper in a trash can. Great costume, Oscar! Maybe you should check out our ... more

OSCAR THE GROUCH (2011): After years of asking people to get a... Photo-5301945.71818 - GreenwichTime

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TORTILLA AND CHEESE (2015): Contest veterans know that I LOVE it when a kid asks their parents to be something completely random, and the parents comply. Four-year-old Will was such a case. "He wanted to be a tortilla with cheese," his parents write, and he walked out of the house on Halloween as the best damn tortilla and cheese his neighborhood has ever seen. Good job, parents. less

TORTILLA AND CHEESE (2015): Contest veterans know that I LOVE it when a kid asks their parents to be something completely random, and the parents comply. Four-year-old Will was such a case. "He wanted to be a ... more

CHEERIOS BOX (2007): I'm loving the ingenuity, after this early winner of our contest reportedly refused to put on her cat costume. ("Bye bye, kitty!") That's what parenting is all about -- rolling with the punches and throwing together a makeshift Cheerios costume at the last minute. less

CHEERIOS BOX (2007): I'm loving the ingenuity, after this early winner of our contest reportedly refused to put on her cat costume. ("Bye bye, kitty!") That's what parenting is all about -- rolling with the ... more

E.T. (2010): I can't emphasize this enough: You don't have to be a Super-Crafty person to excel in the Super-Crafty Halloween Costume Contest. Just have a vision and execute. This is a very simple costume, but still memorable. less

E.T. (2010): I can't emphasize this enough: You don't have to be a Super-Crafty person to excel in the Super-Crafty Halloween Costume Contest. Just have a vision and execute. This is a very simple costume, but ... more

DJ LANCE ROCK (2007): Costume wearer Masey, 2 years old when this was taken, specifically asked to be DJ Lance Rock from the kids' TV show "Yo Gabba Gabba." We're hoping she repurposes the belt buckle for a future prom/wedding. less

DJ LANCE ROCK (2007): Costume wearer Masey, 2 years old when this was taken, specifically asked to be DJ Lance Rock from the kids' TV show "Yo Gabba Gabba." We're hoping she repurposes the belt buckle for a ... more

SUNFLOWER (2007): From father Mark Jobson: "Here’s Lily, who forsook her namesake for another varietal. No, I’ve never done anything like this. Yes, I gouged myself with needles, and burned myself with the glue gun. Small badges of honor for one yanked-out-by-the-roots Sunflower, with bugs." less

SUNFLOWER (2007): From father Mark Jobson: "Here’s Lily, who forsook her namesake for another varietal. No, I’ve never done anything like this. Yes, I gouged myself with needles, and burned myself with the ... more

TURTLE (2008): This costume was undeniably adorable. From mother Janelle: "Alex was a little turtle for his first Halloween. I figured that since it is the only Halloween where he will crawl, a turtle would be a good option." less

TURTLE (2008): This costume was undeniably adorable. From mother Janelle: "Alex was a little turtle for his first Halloween. I figured that since it is the only Halloween where he will crawl, a turtle would be ... more

SPARTANS AT THERMOPYLAE (2008): This is one of my all-time favorite costumes, for its simplicity and detail. I was excited and showed half the newsroom on the day it arrived.

SPARTANS AT THERMOPYLAE (2008): This is one of my all-time favorite costumes, for its simplicity and detail. I was excited and showed half the newsroom on the day it arrived.

SPARTANS AT THERMOPYLAE (2008): This is one of my all-time favorite... Photo-5301954.71818 - GreenwichTime

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EVEL KNIEVEL (2009): Oliver, memorable as Linus a year earlier, returns. Mom Hilary wrote: "Now he likes to hurl himself off of anything higher than one foot off the ground with no regard for his own personal safety, so Evel Knievel seemed like an appropriate costume this year." less

EVEL KNIEVEL (2009): Oliver, memorable as Linus a year earlier, returns. Mom Hilary wrote: "Now he likes to hurl himself off of anything higher than one foot off the ground with no regard for his own personal ... more

GHOST (2009): This contest has never been about Martha Stewart creations. It's about making the best homemade costume you can under the circumstances. And this kid is absolutely rocking the Charlie Brown sheet-over-his-head ghost costume. less

GHOST (2009): This contest has never been about Martha Stewart creations. It's about making the best homemade costume you can under the circumstances. And this kid is absolutely rocking the Charlie Brown ... more

GHOST (2009): This contest has never been about Martha Stewart... Photo-5301956.71818 - GreenwichTime

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SUPERMAN and CLARK KENT (2010): There are several entrants who I look forward to seeing every year. This pair (the "302" Spartans) is definitely at the top of that list.

SUPERMAN and CLARK KENT (2010): There are several entrants who I look forward to seeing every year. This pair (the "302" Spartans) is definitely at the top of that list.

SUPERMAN and CLARK KENT (2010): There are several entrants who I... Photo-5301957.71818 - GreenwichTime

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THE "UP" HOUSE (2007): This house rents for about $3,700 per month in the Upper Haight. (That joke was funnier in 2007 before the housing crash ...)

THE "UP" HOUSE (2007): This house rents for about $3,700 per month in the Upper Haight. (That joke was funnier in 2007 before the housing crash ...)

THE "UP" HOUSE (2007): This house rents for about $3,700... Photo-5301958.71818 - GreenwichTime

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HOT LAVA BOY (2010): Winning this contest isn’t always about spending three months sewing 5,000 sequins on a picture-perfect costume. It’s about having your child come to you in the middle of October saying ttp://blog.sfgate.com/parenting/2014/10/23/the-super-crafty-halloween-costume-contest-returns/I want to be Hot Lava Boy for Halloween,ttp://blog.sfgate.com/parenting/2014/10/23/the-super-crafty-halloween-costume-contest-returns/ and then totally coming through in a pinch. less

HOT LAVA BOY (2010): Winning this contest isn’t always about spending three months sewing 5,000 sequins on a picture-perfect costume. It’s about having your child come to you in the middle of October saying ... more

LAB RAT (2010): This costume had that rare balance of adorable, awesome and slightly creepy that we look for in a winner. I also liked the resourcefulness of the mad scientist in the picture, who is a veterinarian in real life. less

LAB RAT (2010): This costume had that rare balance of adorable, awesome and slightly creepy that we look for in a winner. I also liked the resourcefulness of the mad scientist in the picture, who is a ... more

LION TAMER AND TIGERS (2010): I like how this whole theme came together -- Mother Gabriella worked on the kid costumes for a while, but her lion tamer costume was last minute.

LION TAMER AND TIGERS (2010): I like how this whole theme came together -- Mother Gabriella worked on the kid costumes for a while, but her lion tamer costume was last minute.

LION TAMER AND TIGERS (2010): I like how this whole theme came... Photo-5301961.71818 - GreenwichTime

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PANCAKE (2010): Notice that no less than 10 people in this frame (see the red arrows) are checking this charismatic pancake out. Bonus points for the hot dog sidekick.

PANCAKE (2010): Notice that no less than 10 people in this frame (see the red arrows) are checking this charismatic pancake out. Bonus points for the hot dog sidekick.

PANCAKE (2010): Notice that no less than 10 people in this frame... Photo-5301962.71818 - GreenwichTime

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SUPERGIRL (2008): This Supergirl costume made for 2-year-old Lauren was a hit. Said mother Lisa: ttp://blog.sfgate.com/parenting/2014/10/23/the-super-crafty-halloween-costume-contest-returns/Believe it or not, we did not pose her for this photo — she was waiting for her preschool’s Halloween parade to begin and got a little impatient.ttp://blog.sfgate.com/parenting/2014/10/23/the-super-crafty-halloween-costume-contest-returns/ less

SUPERGIRL (2008): This Supergirl costume made for 2-year-old Lauren was a hit. Said mother Lisa: ttp://blog.sfgate.com/parenting/2014/10/23/the-super-crafty-halloween-costume-contest-returns/Believe it or not, ... more